Health insurance in Norway
Whether you’re planning on traveling to or are already living in Norway, getting the right health insurance policy can help cover medical costs while you are in the country. Pacific Prime can help you find the best plan for your unique requirements in your price range. Click below to receive a free quotation or keep reading to learn more about health insurance in Norway.
Overview of healthcare in Norway
The Norwegian healthcare system continues to rank highly on a global scale. Similar to other Nordic countries, its municipal structure means that the types of treatments and doctors that are available may vary based on the municipality you’re in.
Public healthcare in Norway
All Norwegian citizens and residents are entitled to healthcare, including students who will be residing in Norway for over a year. The country’s quality of public healthcare is high.
Cost of public healthcare in Norway
Healthcare in Norway is not entirely free, which means that a portion of your earnings is held onto for healthcare, just like with taxation. However, there is a limit as to how much you’ll have to pay annually. Once the annual limit of expenditure is reached, the person will receive an exemption card, which allows them to receive free treatment at public facilities for the rest of the year. Exemptions to the system include pregnant women and children under the age of 16, who receive free healthcare.
Public healthcare for expats in Norway
Expats who are registered in the Folkeregister (the National Population Register) are automatically assigned to a general practitioner (GP) in the public system. Similarly, residents can find one on their own, though they can only change doctors twice a year. Patients must visit their GP to get referred to a specialist.
However, they may have to wait for a few weeks for their doctor’s consultation unless they have an emergency, and maybe even months to see a specialist. Some people opt for private healthcare to see specific specialists or avoid long waiting times.
Private healthcare in Norway
Norway has several private healthcare facilities, with many catering to medical tourism. The high-quality medical facilities and specialists found in Norway are competitively priced by US and UK standards.
These days, more Norwegian residents are getting private health insurance on top of the NIS insurance scheme. Aside from avoiding long wait times, private health insurance also offers additional medical back-up in case of an emergency or differences in medical opinions. After all, a patient cannot schedule an appointment with a specialist without a doctor’s referral under the public system.
If GPs are not affiliated with public hospitals, then they’re usually private. They are in increasing demand since they don’t have long waiting lists like public GPs do. Additionally, most dentists are found in private facilities since dentistry is not covered by the NIS for the most part.
Norway health-related travel advice
If you’re visiting Norway and are from Switzerland or an EU/EEA country, then you’re entitled to some healthcare rights with your EHIC card. However, you’ll still have to pay for treatment just like the Norwegians do. If you’re from another country, on the other hand, your best bet is to secure private health insurance. Check your travel insurance plan to see what is and isn’t covered.
Pharmacies can be found throughout the country, with at least one open in each district. Over-the-counter drugs and prescription medication are available in Norwegian pharmacies.
If you are in need of emergency care or have been involved in an accident then call 116 117 to find the nearest emergency room. Emergency care is completely covered by the NIS.
Norway health insurance options
For expats, the most popular international insurance providers in Norway include Allianz, Bupa Global, and Cigna Global. The average cost of health insurance depends on the type of plan a person chooses, as well as the level of coverage. Other factors that determine cost include age, gender, and pre-existing conditions.
How to find the best private health insurance in Norway
It’s recommended to secure comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any medical costs that may occur abroad.
Pacific Prime offers a wide range of healthcare plans and travel insurance policies, as well as benefit package options including inpatient, outpatient, dental, vision, maternity, and specialist consultations. Contact our team of expert advisors today to receive a free quote and experience the peace of mind that our medical insurance plans can offer.
